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Date: 10/18/2023
AGAWAM — In advance of the town election, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to candidates on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Each of the seven candidates for the six available seats on the School Committee was given the same list of four questions, to be answered in 75 words or fewer. The first two questions and answers were printed in the Oct. 12 newspaper. A mayoral race Q&A will be printed in the Oct. 26 edition.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk (*).
Infrastructure needs
Apart from the high school and Early Childhood Center, what is the School Department’s biggest infrastructure need and how will you push to fund a solution?
Shelley Borgatti-Reed*: Agawam does an excellent job maintaining of our school buildings. We continue to apply for grants and other programs to assist us in keeping some of our heating systems, windows, roofs, etc., up to date. Our high school and ECC are the biggest priority for us right now. Both buildings are very outdated and do not meet the needs of our students.
A.J. Christopher*: The School Committee is focused on the ECC and high school needs. The fact that the current “high school project” scope includes both is a potential win for everyone. We are and should be working through what’s in front of us right now. To add additional infrastructure needs just for the sake of conversation is a wish list and serves no real purpose, and would only result in diluting from the current project being considered.
Dawn DeMatteo*: The high school building project, including a new Early Childhood Center, is and should be the focus of discussion to all of our community members.
Catherine McDougal: Climate control. Our schools are often too hot at the start and end of the school year and too cold in winter. Outdated environmental systems mean temperatures aren’t consistent or well controlled, even in different areas of the same building. I would work with the committee to apply for grant funding to help pay for upgrades to heating and cooling systems in our buildings so that kids can focus on their work, not the temperature.
Christopher Pass: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Michael Perry*: Current plans to renovate or build a new high school would satisfy our greatest infrastructure needs, however the other schools in town are dated and lack some modern technology. Improvements to our technology infrastructure district-wide, and additional resources for an increasing number of ELL students, would ensure that our schools can provide a high-quality education for all students and prepare them for success later in life.
Wendy Rua*: As a member of the Facilities Needs Committee for several years, bringing our high school up to code for accreditation and building a new preschool for our youngest learners to grow and thrive are top priorities. Yes, it would be amazing if we could reduce class size and create infrastructure to have smaller classrooms; but from the people with whom I speak, there is no greater demand than for a new high school and preschool.
Unique attributes
What background, belief or skill would you bring to the School Committee that nobody else in this race does?
Shelley Borgatti-Reed*: I am a product of the Agawam school system, having lived here my whole life. I retired from the Department of Defense and hold a bachelor’s degree in organizational management. I take my position very seriously, missing only one meeting in 14 years. I have been an advocate for both students, parents, and staff addressing their concerns and encouraging communication with school administration. There is no priority more important than educating our children.
A.J. Christopher*: As previously stated, working with presidents/CEOs of major companies (as a corporate liaison), I understand the sensitivity of navigating differing agendas to bring balance and compromise for an all-inclusive outcome. On a local level, as president of Agawam Little League I am engaged in those activities as well. With two years’ experience, this now gives me a global view with a refined local perspective.
Dawn DeMatteo*: I have been an educator for over 34 years, 20 of them right here in Agawam. I am proud to serve my community in that way and would continue to advocate for children in my role as School Committee member.
Catherine McDougal: I am a regulatory analyst in a research office, have 15 years’ experience with state and federal regulations and hold two certifications in my field. My job is to ensure my office follows state and federal regulations and agency guidance. Much of School Committee work is crafting and implementing policy for APS. I believe my skills will be helpful when establishing policies for the district and for making sure we follow the policies we have.
Christopher Pass: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Michael Perry*: I was raised in Agawam, attended and graduated from Agawam schools, and have two daughters currently attending our schools, so I am fully invested in Agawam’s public school system. As a longtime small business owner I have developed strong analytical skills I lean on to make reasonable and objective decisions. And as a dad, I believe parents deserve to be involved in their children’s education and will always encourage and support their participation.
Wendy Rua*: I am a parent of three children, a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and have a work history that includes social work, education and grant writing. I bring honesty, dedication, persistence, compassion, integrity and a work ethic that can be seen by my attendance and participation at school and community events. I will return every constituent’s email and remember to always put people before politics. Thank you for your support and consideration on Election Day.